Inhibitors of intestinal apical membrane na/phoshate co-transportation

ABSTRACT

The compounds of formula (I) are hydrophilic aryl phosphate, thiophosphate, and aminophosphate intestinal apical membrane Na-mediated phosphate co-transportation inhibitors. The compounds can be administered orally, where they act to inhibit Na-dependent phosphate uptake in the intestines, or internally, where they interact with the phosphate control functions of the kidneys and parathyroid. They are therefore useful for inhibiting sodium-mediated phosphate uptake, reducing serum PTH, calcium, calcitriol, and phosphate, and treating renal disease in an animal, including a human.

The present application is a 371 of PCT/US00/01681, which claimspriority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/126,417, filedJan. 21, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to compounds that are inhibitors of intestinalapical membrane Na/phosphate co-transportation, medications containingthese compounds, and methods for inhibiting sodium-mediated phosphateuptake, reducing serum PTH, calcium, calcitriol, and phosphate, andtreating renal disease with these compounds and medications containingthem.

2. Description of the Related Art

In 1995, 260,000 people with end-stage renal disease were being treatedin this country at a Medicare cost of $9 billion. Another 500,000 peoplewere diagnosed with chronic renal failure. Increasing the time forprogression from chronic renal failure to end-stage renal failure bycontrol of serum PTH, calcium, calcitriol, and phosphate, whileimproving patient nutritional status, would drastically reduce theprojected cost of the 500,000 patients progressing to end-stage renalfailure and improve the survival of those undergoing dialysis.

However, the medications currently available are less than adequate toaddress these problems. It would be desirable to develop medicationscapable of controlling serum PTH, calcium, calcitriol, and phosphate.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, this invention provides compounds of formula (I):

where:

A¹ and A² are the same or different aryl groups collectively bearing atleast one hydrophilic substituent;

E¹ and E² are the same or different and are O, S, or NR² (where R² is alinear or branched C₁-C₂₀ carbon containing group);

M is H or a pharmaceutically acceptable monovalent cation;

R¹ is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, C₁-C₂₀ carboncontaining group;

Z is a single bond, a carbonyl, CE³E⁴, or CR³E³, where

E³ and E⁴ are the same or different and are OR⁴, SR⁴, or NR⁴ ₂, where

R³ is a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ carbon containing group, and

R⁴ is H or a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ carbon containing group; and

n is 0 or 1,

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, provided that thecompound is not 4′-phosphophloretin or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof.

These compounds are hydrophilic aryl phosphate, thiophosphate, andaminophosphate intestinal apical membrane Na-mediated phosphateco-transportation inhibitors; and are useful for inhibitingsodium-mediated phosphate uptake, reducing serum PTH, calcium,calcitriol, and phosphate, and treating renal disease.

In a second aspect, this invention provides a medication including atherapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I)or 4′-phosphophloretin in a suitable carrier.

In a third aspect, this invention provides a method of inhibitingsodium-mediated phosphate uptake, reducing serum PTH, calcium,calcitriol, and phosphate, and treating renal disease in an animal,including a human, by administering to that animal a therapeuticallyeffective amount of at least one compound of formula (I) or4′-phosphophloretin, or a medication containing it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a synthetic scheme for 2′-phosphophloretin (2′-PP).

FIG. 2 shows a synthetic scheme for [³H]2′-phosphophloretin ([³H]2′-PP).

FIG. 3 shows a synthetic scheme for 2′-aminophosphophloretin (NHPP).

FIG. 4 shows another synthetic scheme for 2′-PP.

FIG. 5 shows the effect of 2′-PP on alkaline phosphatase activity.

FIG. 6 is a Dixon plot showing the effect of 2′-PP on Na-dependentphosphate uptake by rabbit intestinal apical membrane vesicles atvarious phosphate concentrations.

FIG. 7 shows the effect of Na concentration on 2′-PP binding to Ca-BBMprotein.

FIG. 8 shows the effect of phosphate on 2′-PP binding to Ca-BBM protein.

FIG. 9 shows the effect of osmotic strength on 2′-PP binding to Ca-BBMprotein.

FIG. 10 shows the serum phosphate concentration in rats treated withvarious concentrations of 2′-PP.

FIG. 11 shows the serum calcium concentration in rats treated withvarious concentrations of 2′-PP.

FIG. 12 shows the serum phosphate concentration in rats withdrawn from2′-PP treatment.

FIG. 13 is a Dixon plot of the effect of 2′-aminophosphophloretin (NHPP)on Na-dependent [³²P]phosphate uptake by BBM vesicles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Na-mediated co-transportation of inorganic phosphate through the apicalmembrane of the intestines can be inhibited by the oral ingestion ofcertain hydrophilic aryl phosphates, thiophosphates or aminophosphates.These compounds are thought to competitively bind to a phosphatereceptor on the apical membrane, but are incapable of being transportedacross the membrane. These compounds can be introduced directly into thebody of an animal including a human to affect reduction in phosphatecontent in bodily fluids such as blood, thus reducing the symptoms ofhyperphosphatemia and treating renal disease.

Compounds of this Invention

The compounds of this invention are hydrophilic aryl phosphate,thiophosphate, and aminophosphate intestinal apical membrane Na-mediatedphosphate co-transportation inhibitors of formula (I):

where:

A¹ and A² are the same or different aryl groups collectively bearing atleast one hydrophilic substituent;

E¹ and E² are the same or different and are O, S, or NR² (where R² is alinear or branched C₁-C₂₀ carbon containing group);

M is H or a pharmaceutically acceptable monovalent cation; R¹

is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, C₁-C₂₀ carboncontaining group;

Z is a single bond, a carbonyl, CE³B⁴, or CR³E³, where

E³ and E⁴ are the same or different and are OR⁴, SR⁴, or NR⁴ ₂, where

R³ is a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ carbon containing group, and

R⁴ is H or a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ carbon containing group; and

n is 0 or 1,

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, provided that thecompound is not 4′-phosphophloretin or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof.

“Aryl” refers to an aromatic moiety of C₆-₂₀, preferably C₆-₁₆, having asingle ring (e.g., phenyl), or two or more condensed rings, preferably 2to 3 condensed rings (e.g., naphthyl), or two or more aromatic rings,preferably 2 to 3 aromatic rings, which are linked by a single bond(e.g., biphenyl). A preferred aryl group is phenyl, collectivelysubstituted with at least one hydrophilic group, especially hydroxy oramino.

Preferred A¹ groups include phenyl rings bearing at least onehydrophilic group at the 2, 3, 4, or 5 positions of the phenyl ring,where the hydrophilic group is —OH, —OR⁵ (where R⁵ is a carboncontaining group having between 1 and 4 carbon atoms), —COOH, —COOR⁶(where R⁶ in a carbon containing group having between 1 and 4 carbonatoms), —CONR⁷ (where R⁷ is a carbon containing group having between 1and 4 carbon atoms), —SR¹ (where R⁸ is a carbon containing group havingbetween 1 and 4 carbon atoms), `—NR⁹R¹⁰ (where R⁹ and R⁰ are the same ordifferent and are each a carbon containing group having between 1 and 4carbon atoms), or the like. Particularly preferred A¹ groups includephenyl rings bearing hydrophilic groups at the 4- and 6-positions.Preferred A² groups include phenyl rings bearing at least onehydrophilic group at the 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-positions of the phenylring where the hydrophilic groups are as described above for A¹.Particularly preferred A² groups include phenyl rings bearing ahydrophilic group at the 4-position of the phenyl ring. The sites oneach phenyl ring that are not occupied by a hydrophilic group may beoccupied by non-hydrophilic group(s), provided that such group(s) do notmake the molecule hydrophobic. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts ofthese preferred compounds are also preferred.

Preferred compounds of formula (I) are compounds where A¹ and A² aresubstituted phenyl, E¹ is O, S, or NH; M is potassium; Z is a singlebond, a hydroxymethylene group, a dihydroxymethylene group or a carbonylgroup, and n is 0. Within these, preferred compounds are those where E¹is at the 2-position of the phenyl group A¹.

A preferred class of compounds of formula (I) is compounds of formula(Ia):

where:

A¹, A², E¹, M, R¹ and Z are as previously defined for formula (I), or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Preferred compounds of formula (Ia) include compounds where A¹ and A²are phenyl; E¹ is O, S, or NH; M is potassium; and Z is a single bond, ahydroxymethylene group, a dihydroxymethylene group, or a carbonyl group,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another preferred class of compounds of formula (I) is aryl phosphatesof formula (Ib):

where:

A¹, A², M, R¹ and Z are as previously defined for formula (I), or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another preferred class of compounds of formula (I) is arylaminophosphates of formula (Ic):

where:

A¹, A², M, R¹, and Z are as previously defined for formula (I); and thepreferred and particularly preferred substituents are as described forcompounds of formula (Ib). Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of thesepreferred compounds are also preferred.

Another preferred class of compounds of formula (I) is arylthiophosphates of formula (Id):

where A¹, A², M, R¹, and Z are as previously defined for formula (I);and the preferred and particularly preferred substituents are asdescribed for compounds of formula (Ib). Pharmaceutically acceptablesalts of these preferred compounds are also preferred.

A particularly preferred class of compounds of formula (I) is arylphosphates of formula (Ie):

where:

A¹, A², M and R¹ are as previously defined for formula (I); and thepreferred and particularly preferred substituents are as described forcompounds of formula (Ib). Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of thesepreferred compounds are also preferred.

Another preferred class of compounds of formula (I) is arylaminophosphates of formula (If):

where:

A¹, A², M and R¹ are as previously defined for formula (I); and thepreferred and particularly preferred substituents are as described forcompounds of formula (Ib). Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of thesepreferred compounds are also preferred.

Another preferred class of compounds of formula (I) is arylthiophosphates of formula (Ig):

where:

A¹, A², M and R¹ are as previously defined for formula (I); and thepreferred and particularly preferred substituents are as described forcompounds of formula (Ib). Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of thesepreferred compounds are also preferred.

Particularly preferred examples of compounds of formulas (I) and (Ia)through (Ig) include, without limitation, 2′-phosphophloretin(2′-PP)[CASname:1-[2,6-dihydroxy-4-(phosphonooxy)phenyl]-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-propanone],3-azido-2′-phosphophloretin(AZPP)[1-[2,6-dihydroxy-4-(phosphonooxy)phenyl]-3-(3-azido-4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-propanone],4-azido-2′-phosphophloretin[1-[2,6-dihydroxy-4-(phosphonooxy)phenyl]-3-(4-azidophenyl)-1-propanone],2′-thiophosphophloretin[1-[2,6-dihydroxy-4-(phosphonothio)phenyl]-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-propanone],2′-aminophosphophloretin(NHPP)[1-[2,6-dihydroxy-4-(phosphonoimino)phenyl]-3-4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-propanone],and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, especially thepotassium salts.

Illustrative preferred examples of ethane-based compounds of formulas(I) and (Ia) through (Ig) (i.e. those compounds where —Z—R¹— is a2-carbon chain) include, without limitation,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl-1-hydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphononooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxyethane,

1-(2-phosphononooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one,

alkylated analogs (alkyl groups on the alkylenyl connector or on the twophenyl groups), or amino analogs (hydroxy groups replaced by aminogroups), and the like, and the pharmaceutically acceptable saltsthereof.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts and anions of the compounds of formulaI are suitable for use in the methods of the present invention. A“pharmaceutically acceptable salt” may be any salt derived from aninorganic or organic acid or base. The term “pharmaceutically acceptableanion” refers to the anion of such acid addition salts. The term“pharmaceutically acceptable cation” refers to the cation of theinorganic or organic base that is pharmaceutically acceptable. The saltand/or the anion and/or cation are chosen not to be biologically orotherwise undesirable.

Typically the parent compound is treated with an excess of an alkalinereagent, such as hydroxide, carbonate or alkoxide, containing theappropriate cation. Cations such as Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Al³⁺, and NH₄ ⁺areexamples of cations present in pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Saltsmay also be prepared using organic bases, such as diethanolamine,ethanolamine, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, N-methylglucamine,ethanolamine, and triethanolamine. The monovalent cation M of theformula (I) may include, but is not limited to, inorganic monovalentcations such as Na⁺, K⁺, NH₄ ⁺, or organic monovalent cations as listedabove. If the compounds of formula I contain a basic group, an acidaddition salt may be prepared. Acid addition salts of the compounds areprepared in a standard manner in a suitable solvent from the parentcompound and an excess of acid, such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromicacid, sulfuric acid (giving the sulfate and bisulfate salts), nitricacid, phosphoric acid and the like, and organic acids such as aceticacid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic acid, malicacid, malonic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, tartaricacid, citric acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, mandelic acid,methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, salicylic acid, ptoluene-sulfonic acid, hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid,cyclopentanepropionic acid, lactic acid, o-(4-hydroxy-benzoyl)benzoicacid, 1,2-ethanedisulfonic acid, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid,benzenesulfonic acid, p-chlorobenzenesulfonic acid,2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, camphorsulfonic acid,4-methyl-bicyclo[2.2.2. ]oct-2-ene-1-carboxylic acid, glucoheptonicacid, 4,4′-methylenebis(3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic)acid, 3-phenylpropionicacid, trimethyl-acetic acid, t-butylacetic acid, laurylsulfuric acid,glucuronic acid, glutamic acid, 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, stearicacid, muconic acid and the like. Certain of the compounds form innersalts or zwitterions, which may also be acceptable.

Illustrative preferred examples of propane-based aryl phosphates offormulas (I) and (Ia) through (Ig) include, without limitation,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2(3hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

-1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dibydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxypropane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one,alkylated analogs (alkyl groups on the alkylenyl connector or on the twophenyl groups), or amino analogs (hydroxy groups replaced by aminogroups), and the like, and the pharmaceutically acceptable saltsthereof.

Illustrative preferred examples of butane-based aryl phosphates formulas(I) and (Ia) through (Ig) include, without limitation,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2(3hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan -one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-hydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dihydroxybutane,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-5-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-6-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonoimino-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

1-(2-phosphonothio-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one,

alkylated analogs (alkyl groups on the alkylenyl connector or on the twophenyl groups), or amino analogs (hydroxy groups replaced by aminogroups), and the like, and the pharmaceutically acceptable saltsthereof.

The compounds of the present invention can be synthesized using standardorganic synthetic procedures. Such procedures comprise: contacting acompound of the formula E¹—A¹—Z—R¹—A²—(E)_(n) or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof with an H₃PO₄ or P₂O₅ source to yield any on ofthe the compounds (I) through (I_(g)); or if R1 is an unsaturated group,hydrogenating it with a H or Tritium source; or cleaving any protectinggroups in a compound of Formula I to liberate free hydroxyl or phosphategroups; or converting a compound of Formula I to a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt; or converting a salt of a compound of Formula I to acompound of Formula I; or converting a salt of a compound of Formula Ito a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of Formula I; orconverting a substituent in A¹ or A² to another substituent. Morespecifically, the compounds of Formula (I) through (I_(g)) are preparedas follows: an aryl group bearing an amino group, a hydroxy group, or amercapto group and preferably bearing a separate hydrophilic group isreacted with a ZR¹ substituted second aryl group to form a ZR¹ linkeddiaryl compound. The ZR¹ linked diaryl compound is then reacted withphosphoric acid or phosphorus pentoxide to generate compounds offormulas (I) and (Ia) through (Id). If Z is a carbonyl group as informulas (Ie) through (Ig), then Friedel-Crafts acylation can be used toattach the acid chloride of the ZR¹ aryl reagent to the aryl groupbearing an amino group, a hydroxy group, or a mercapto group. If Z is asingle bond, the Friedel-Crafts alkylation can be used to attach thechloro- ZR¹ aryl reagent to the aryl group bearing the amino, hydroxy ormercapto group.

Compounds of formula Ie are a particularly preferred class of compounds.When R¹ is —CH₂CH₂—, the phosphonooxy feature is at the 2′-position andthe hydrophilic groups are 4, 4′, and 6′-hydroxy, the material is2′-phosphophloretin.

When R¹ is —CH₂—, the compound of formula Ie can be prepared fromhydrophilically substituted salicylic acids. Substituted salicylic acidsare compounds known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, andprotected hydrophilically substituted salicylic acids (note that onehydroxy group, for example the salicylic acid hydroxy group itself if a2′-phosphonooxy compound is desired, is not protected) may readily beprepared by methods known in the art. These compounds they can betransformed to substituted 2-phenyl-2′-hydroxyacetophenones according toRubottom and Kim, J. Org. Chem. 1983, 48, 1550; where a protectedhydrophilically substituted benzyllithium or benzylmagnesium compound isreacted with the protected hydrophilically substituted salicylic acid inthe presence of trimethylsilyl chloride. A suitable protectedhydrophilically substituted benzyllithium is, for example,4-(benzyloxy)benzyllithium, where the benzyl protecting group can laterbe removed to yield a 4-hydroxy compound. The resulting2-phenyl-2′-hydroxyacetophenone compound is reacted with a base, such assodium or potassium hydride, or an organic amine base such as pyridineor trimethylamine, and a chlorophosphate diester, and then deprotectedto yield the compound of formula (Ie). When the chlorophosphate diesteris dibenzyl chlorophosphate and the protecting groups are benzyl groups,hydroxyl and phosphate, respectively, are liberated upon exposure todeprotection conditions such as hydrogen gas or ammonium formate in thepresence of palladium on carbon, platinum(IV) oxide, or other likeheterogeneous catalysts.

Compounds of formula (Ie) where R¹ is a linear or branched C₃-C₂₀ groupof which the two carbons nearest the carbonyl are —CH₂CH₂— can beprepared from hydrophilically substituted salicylic acid esters. Thesesalicylic acid esters may be converted to triphenylphosphoranes byreaction with triphenylphosphonium iodide and a base such asbutyllithium according to Zammattio et al. Synthesis 1992, 375. Thesetriphenylphosphoranes react predictably with aldehydes as illustrated inFieser & Fieser Reagents for Organic Synthesis 6, 267 and 8, 234, togive unsaturated ketones analogous to those seen in the first step ofFIG. 2. Suitable aldehydes are ω-(protected hydrophilically substitutedphenyl)-α-alkylaldehydes. The hydroxy group of the product unsaturatedketone can then be treated with a base in an aprotic solvent and achlorophosphate, as discussed in the previous paragraph (cf. Silverberget al. Tetrahedr. Lett. 1996, 37, 771). The use of the Silverbergprocedure allows for hydrogenolysis (treatment with hydrogen gas orammonium formate in the presence of palladium on carbon, platinum (IV)oxide, or other like heterogeneous catalysts) of the protectedhydrophilic groups and well as liberation of the aryl phosphate offormula (Ie). Alternatively, dimethyl or diethyl chlorophosphate can beemployed. The product (dimethyl or diethyl) aryl phosphate can thendeprotected with trimethylsilyl bromide in a compatible solvent such asdichloromethane or chloroform.

2′-PP may also conveniently be prepared from phlorizin(phloretin-2′-β-glucoside).

Compositions and Administration

The present invention also relates to a medication comprising atherapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I)in a suitable carrier.

A “therapeutically effective amount” of compound I is defined herein asthe amount required to achieve the desired positive effect with respectto progression of renal failure being treated. The effective amount willbe determined in part based on the intended goal, for example, (i)inhibition of Na-dependent phosphate uptake or (ii) reducing serum PTH,calcium, calcitriol, and phosphate.

The present invention also relates to a method of reducing the bloodphosphate level in an animal, including a human, by administering tothat animal a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compoundof formula (I) or a medication containing it, where the administrationcan be continuous or discontinuous, oral or parenteral administration.

Oral administration includes, without limitation, administering thecompound within a medication such as a pill, caplet, gel-capsule,capsule, chewable tablet, liquid, drink or other form capable of beingswallowed by an animal. Parenteral administration includes, withoutlimitation, administering the compound within a medicationintravenously, intra-arterially, intramuscularly, or the like byinjection for non-continuous administration or by a stent or the likefor continuous administration. Preferably, the compound of the presentinvention is administered orally.

Thus, pharmaceutical compositions of or medications comprising thecompounds of formula I, or derivatives thereof, may be formulated assolutions, crystalline, amorphous or lyophilized powders for parenteraladministration. Powders may be reconstituted by addition of a suitablediluent or other pharmaceutically acceptable carrier prior to use. Theliquid formulation is generally a buffered, isotonic, aqueous solution.Examples of suitable diluents are normal isotonic saline solution,standard 5% dextrose in water or buffered sodium or ammonium acetatesolution. Such formulation is especially suitable for parenteraladministration, but may also be used for oral administration. It may bedesirable to add excipients such as polyvinylpyrrolidinone, gelatin,hydroxycellulose, acacia, polyethylene glycol, mannitol, sodium chlorideor sodium citrate. Alternatively, these compounds may be encapsulated,tableted or prepared in an emulsion or syrup for oral administration.Pharmaceutically acceptable solid or liquid carriers may be added toenhance or stabilize the composition, or to facilitate preparation ofthe composition. Liquid carriers include syrup, peanut oil, soybean oil,olive oil, glycerin, saline, alcohols and water. Solid carriers includestarch, lactose, calcium sulfate, dihydrate, terra alba, magnesiumstearate or stearic acid, talc, pectin, acacia, agar or gelatin. Thecarrier may also include a sustained release material such as glycerolmonostearate or glyceryl distearate, alone or with a wax. The amount ofsolid carrier varies but, preferably, will be between about 5 mg toabout 500 mg per dosage unit. The pharmaceutical preparations are madefollowing the conventional techniques of pharmacy involving milling,mixing, granulation, and compressing, when necessary, for tablet forms;or milling, mixing and filling for hard gelatin capsule forms. When aliquid carrier is used, the preparation will be in the form of syrup,elixir, emulsion or an aqueous or non-aqueous suspension. Such a liquidformulation may be administered directly p.o. or filled into a softgelatin capsule.

The invention compounds may be administered by any route suitable to thesubject being treated and the nature of the subject's condition.Alternative routes of administration include administration byinjection, including intravenous, intraperitoneal, intramuscular, andsubcutaneous injection, by transmucosal or transdermal delivery, throughtopical applications, nasal spray, suppository and the like or may beadministered orally. It also may be desired to perform continuousperfusion over hours or days via a catheter to a disease site like theintestinal region. Suitable formulations for each of these methods ofadministration may be found, for example, in Remington's PharmaceuticalSciences, latest edition, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa.

Regardless of the route of administration, the compound should be givenin an amount sufficient to provide a therapeutic concentration of acompound of formula (I) in the intestinal region including the apicalmembrane involved in sodium-mediated phosphate transportation across theintestinal membrane. The exact amount will depend on the nature of themedication and the required dosage. If the compound of formula (I) isadministered orally so that it is exposed to the digestive processes ofthe digestive tract, then the amount must be sufficient to account forthe loss of compound during digestion. On the other hand, if thecompound of formula (I) is not exposed or only minimally exposed to thedigestive processes of the digestive tract, then a smaller amount of thecompound can be used.

The effective dosages of these compounds were determined in rat studiesin mL of a micromolar solution of the phosphate transport inhibitor inan aqueous medium such as water, dextrose-containing solution, or thelike. In humans and other larger animals, medications are usuallyadministered in a gram-based dosage per kilogram of body weight. Usingthe rat dosages as guidelines, the compounds of the present inventionwill generally be orally administered at a dose of about 0.1 μg/Kg toabout 100 μg/Kg preferably about 0.5 μg/Kg to about 50 μg/Kg, andparticularly about 1 μg/Kg to about 15 μg/Kg, for 2′-PP or inhibitorshaving similar efficacy to 2′-PP. For NHPP or other compounds withsimilar efficacy to NHPP, the oral dose will generally about 0.1 μg/Kgto about 250 μg/Kg, preferably about 0.5 μg/Kg to about 150 μg/Kg,particularly about 10 μg/Kg to 100 μg/Kg. If administered directly intothe intestines, the dosages can be reduced somewhat, but they shouldremain within about 90% of the oral dose. Of course, higher and lowerdoses can be used, provided one recognizes the medical consequences oflow level administration (low efficacy) and high level administration(risk of occurrence of side effects or overdosage). A person of ordinaryskill in the art will have no difficulty, having regard to thatknowledge and this disclosure, in determining a suitable oral dose.

When administered parenterally, the compounds of the present inventiondo not inhibit dietary phosphate uptake directly from within thedigestive tract, but interact with the phosphate control mechanisms inthe body. Phosphate control is generally thought to occur in the kidneysand in the parathyroid gland. The exact method of inhibition ofphosphate of these inhibitors when injected is less well understood, andunder certain conditions, the compounds of the present invention may beused to increase phosphate levels in the blood and other bodily fluids.

The compounds of this invention can be mixed with carriers, binders andinert materials so that the compounds can be formed into pills,gel-capsule, capsule, chewable tablet, liquid, drink or other formcapable of being swallowed by an animal or human. In solid form (pills,gel-caps, etc.), the compounds of the present invention can beformulated into such oral medications as described in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,824,678, 4,871,546 and 5,292,518, incorporated by reference, or by anyother tableting process well known in the art. For parenteralmedications, the compounds of the present invention can be combined withany standard IV or injection carrier including saline, dextrosesolutions, serum, whole blood, or any other carrier well-known in themanufacture or administration of parenteral medications.

EXAMPLES

The following non-limiting examples are included to illustrate themethods of making the compounds of this invention and to present certaincharacteristics of the compounds.

Example 1 Synthesis of 2′-phosphophloretin (2′-PP)

The synthesis of 2′-PP, shown schematically in FIG. 1, was performed,with minor modifications, according to the method described in Wilson,A. N., and Harris, S. A. (1951) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 73: 4693-694,incorporated herein by reference. The reaction between phloretin andanhydrous phosphoric acid was allowed to proceed over P₂O₅ under vacuumfor 3 days at 23° C. The products were separated using acid-washedcharcoal, neutralized with KOH to form the mono-potassium salt, andresolved by thin layer chromatography. The partially dried product wasrecrystallized from ethanol 3 times. NMR and mass spectrometry wereconsistent with the structure shown in FIG. 1.

The 2′-PP was analyzed by thin layer chromatography, IR and NMR. Thinlayer chromatography was performed on Kieselguhr using isobutylalcohol/glacial acetic acid/water (6:2:2) and toluene/chloroform/acetone(5:3:2). Spots were visualized with Paul's reagent for the determinationof phenolic groups, and 1% ammonium molybdate and 1% stannous chloridein 10% HCl for the determination of phosphate.

IR spectra were performed on a Beckman instrument. The spectra werecompared with the spectrum of the phloretin used in the synthesis andwith the spectrum of phloretin in Aldrich's Catalogue of IR Spectra. Thefollowing peaks were observed:

aromatic OH and aromatic rings—broad peak from 3500-3000 cm⁻¹

weak overtone from 2000-1600 cm⁻¹

C═O-strong band at 1680 cm⁻¹

C═C-1550cm⁻¹

C—O-1220 cm⁻¹

P—O(aromatic)-1260 cm⁻¹−1160 cm⁻¹

P═O-1150 cm⁻¹

P—OH -1040 cm⁻¹−950 cm⁻¹

CH bend -800 cm⁻¹.

Example 2 Synthesis of 2′-PP or tritiated 2′-PP from 3,5-dimethoxyphenol

2 g of dry 3,5-dimethoxyphenol, 2.2 g of dry AlCl₃ and 2.5 g of4-hydroxycinnamyl chloride were suspended in 50 mL of DMSO. The mixturewas brought to a boil and maintained at reflux for 2 hours. The mixturewas cooled, and yellow needles of1-(2,4-dimethoxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-prop-2-en-1-oneprecipitated out of solution. The yield was approximately 80%. Theneedles were washed twice with 100 mL of methanol and recrystallized.

0.5 g of the unsaturated ketone, 20 mL methanol, and 1 g of palladium oncarbon were mixed, and to the mixture was added 50 μL of sodiumborohydride. The reaction mixture was placed under vacuum, and thereaction continued for 30 minutes or until hydrogen evolution ceased.The reaction mixture was diluted with 100 mL of water. Pale yellow totan crystals of1-(2,4-dimethoxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propan-1-oneformed. The crystals were obtained from the mixture via centrifugationat 1000×g for 10 minutes. The crystals were resuspended in water, andcentrifugation was repeated. The use of tritiated sodium borohydridegives analogs of this compound tritiated at the 2 and/or 3-positions ofthe propanone chain.

The 1-(2,4-dimethoxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propan-1-onewas converted to1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propan-1-oneby the method of Example 1; then deprotected under acidic conditions toyield 2′-PP [or tritium labeled 2′-PP if tritiated sodium borohydridewas used].

Example 3 Synthesis of 2′-PP from Phlorizin

This synthetic approach is based on the syntheses reported in Muller, A.and Robertson, A. (1933) J. Chem. Soc., 1170 and Wilson, A. N. andHarris, S. A. (1951) J. Biol. Chem., 73: 4693.

1 g of phlorizin, 10 mL of acetic anhydride, and 0.82 g (0.01 mol) ofsodium acetate were reacted at 100° C. for 6 hrs. The reaction mixturewas cooled and the triacetate derivative of phlorizin precipitated fromthe solution in the form of a crystalline solid. The crystalline solidwas separated by filtration, dissolved in 50 mL of hot methanol, andre-crystallized twice from hot methanol. The reaction yielded 0.6 g ofthe triacetate.

0.3 g of the triacetate and 1.3 mL of 0.2 M sulfuric acid in 100 mL ofwater were heated to reflux and refluxed for 3 hrs. The reaction mixturewas cooled yielding the triacetate of phloretin in about a 45% yield.

A phosphorylating solution was made by slowly adding 5 g of phosphoruspentoxide to 8.5 g of 85% phosphoric acid. The reaction is veryexothermic, and cooling was used if needed. The addition occurred overapproximately 100 minutes (0.5 g per 10 minutes). The phloretintriacetate was added, and the reaction mixture was placed under vacuumfor 5 days. As the reaction proceeded, the solution became viscous.

The phosphato-phloretin triacetate of the previous step was diluted with50 mL of ice water and neutralized with either potassium carbonate orpotassium hydroxide until the pH by pH paper was between 8 and 8.5. 10 gof Darco activated charcoal was added, and the solution was centrifugedat 1000×g for 10 minutes. The supernatant was removed. The charcoal waswashed once and centrifuged again, and the supernatants were combinedand lyophilized, yielding 2′-PP.

Example 4 Synthesis of 2′-PP from phlorizin

An N,N-dimethylformamide (70 mL) suspension of phlorizin (4.2 g, 8.9mmol) and potassium carbonate (6.2 g, 45 mmol) was treated with benzylbromide (5.3 mL, 45 mmol) and stirred at ambient temperature (rt). After3 days, the volatiles were removed by distillation under vacuum. Theresidue was cooled to rt and partitioned between water (200 mL) andethyl acetate (4×100 mL). The organic extracts were combined, and thevolatiles were removed with a rotary evaporator. The tan solid residuewas dissolved in 1,4-dioxane (400 mL) and 1 M aqueous hydrochloric acid(4 mL) and heated to reflux for 2.5 h. Upon cooling, the reactionmixture was diluted with aqueous sodium bicarbonate (250 mL) andextracted with ethyl acetate (4×100 mL). The combined organic layerswere washed with fresh water, then with brine, and stored over magnesiumsulfate. The mixture was filtered, and the filtrate was reduced to avolume of ca. 50 mL and aged at rt. After 2 days,4′,6′,4-tri-O-benzyl-phloretin was obtained as a white solid followingvacuum filtration and drying (5.6 g): mp 106-107° C.; ¹H NMR (300 Hz,CDCl₃) δ 13.6 (s, 1 H), 7.46-7.29 (m, 15 H), 6.86 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2 H),6.80 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2 H), 6.35 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1 H), 6.21 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 5.17 (s, 2 H), 5.14 (s, 2 H), 5.07 (s, 2 H), 3.20 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.73 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2 H); EIMS m/z 544 (M⁺).

4′,6′,4-tri-O-benzyl-phloretin (1.18 g, 2.2 mmol) was dissolved inN,N-dimethylacetamide (10 mL) and cooled to 0° C. Sodium hydride (95%,70 mg, 2.75 mmol) was added in one portion, and the mixture was stirredat rt. After 1 h, the solution was recooled to 0° C., treated withcarbon tetrachloride (1.05 mL, 11 mmol) and then dibenzylphosphite (90%,0.72 mL, 3.3 mmol, dissolved in 3 mL N,N-dimethylacetamide and addedover 10 min). The resulting solution was stirred for an additional 15min, treated with pH 4 buffer and partitioned between water and 1:1hexane:ethyl acetate (4×50 mL). The combined organic extracts werewashed with brine and stored over sodium sulfate. Following filtrationand removal of the volatiles, the filtrate residue was subjected tosilica gel chromatography using 5% ethyl acetate: 25% dichloromethane:70% hexanes as the eluant. The desired di-benzyl phosphate ester wasobtained as an oil (880 mg, 1.1 mmol): ¹H NMR (300 Hz, CDCl₃) δ7.42-7.29 (m, 25 H), 6.93 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2 H), 6.78 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2 H),6.63 (dd, J=1.2, 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 6.40 (dd, J=0.6, 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 5.06 (s, 2H), 5.04 (s, 2 H), 4.97 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 4 H), 4.87 (s, 2 H), 3.03 (t,J=8.4 Hz, 2 H), 2.83 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 2 H); ESMS m/z 805 (M+H).

The oil was dissolved in ethyl acetate (55 mL) and added to 10%palladium on carbon (150 mg), and the resulting suspension was stirredunder 1 atmosphere of hydrogen gas for 75 min. The mixture was filteredthrough Celite, the Celite cake washed with fresh ethyl acetate (50 mL)and the volatiles were removed from the combined filtrate in vacuo.2′-PP was obtained as an off-white powder (369 mg): mp 170.0-170.5° C.;¹H NMR (300 Hz, d₆-DMSO) δ 13.0 (s, 1 H), 10.7 (br.s, 1 H), 9.2 (br.s, 1H), 7.03 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2 H), 6.64 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2 H), 6.63 (dd, J=1.2,2.1 Hz, 1 H), 6.04 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1 H), 3.27 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2 H), 2.77 (t,J=7.6 Hz, 2 H); ³¹P NMR δ −4.3; ESMS m/z 355 (M+H). Analysis calculatedfor C₁₅H₁₅O₈P: C, 50.86; H, 4.27; found: C, 50.67; H, 4.37.

Example 5 Synthesis of [³H]2′-phosphophloretin ([³H]2′-PP)

[³H]2′-PP was synthesized using a Friedel-Crafts acylation reactionbetween phloroglucinol and 4-hydroxycinnamyl chloride catalyzed by AlCl₃in an appropriate solvent, followed by phosphorylation with phosphoricacid, and NaB[³H₄](NaBT₄) reduction in an appropriate solvent as shownin FIG. 2, and analogously to Example 9 below. Of course, any strongLewis acid can be used in place of AlCl₃, as well as other reducingagents. This scheme is similar to that described for the synthesis ofphlorizin described in Canter, F. W., Curd, H., and Robertson, A. (1931)J. Chem. Soc. (London) 1245-265; Hosang, M., Vasella, A., and Semenza,G. (1981) Biochemistry 20: 5844-854; and Zemplen, G. and Bognar, R.(1942) Chem. Ber. 75B: 1040-43, incorporated herein by reference. Thissynthesis differs from the scheme for synthesis of 4-azido-phlorizin asdescribed in Hosang, M., Vasella, A and Semenza, G (1981) Biochemistry20: 5844-854, in that tritiated NaBH₄ was used to reduce the acetopropylside chain off benzene ring 2. The specific activity of the [³H]2′-PPproduced was 5 Ci/mmole or approximately 15 times that reported for[³H]4-azidophlorizin synthesized by ring reduction as described inGibbs, E. M., Hosang, M, Reber, B. F. X., Semenza, G. and Diedrich, D.F. (1982) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 688: 547-556.

Example 6 Synthesis of 2′-aminophosphophloretin (NHPP)

The synthesis of NHPP is shown schematically in FIG. 3 and involves theFriedel-Crafts acylation reaction between 3,5-dihydroxyaniline and4-hydroxycinnamyl chloride catalyzed by AlCl₃ in an appropriate solvent.The unsaturation in the propyl connecting moiety is then reduced withNaBH₄ in an appropriate solvent. Of course, any reducing agent can beused as well provided that the reducing agent does not reduce othermoieties in the process. The reduced intermediate is then reacted withanhydrous phosphoric acid over P₂O₅ under vacuum for 3 days at 23° C.,in the same manner as in the synthesis of 2′-PP described above.

Example 7 Synthesis of NHPP from Dimethoxyphenol

2 g of dry 3,5-dimethoxyphenol was dissolved in 25 mL dry THF and cooledin an ice bath. To this solution was added 2.25 g ofdiethylazodicarboxylate (DEAD), 6 g of triphenylphosphine and 1 mL ofammonium chloride (NH₄Cl). The mixture was stirred for 20 minutes. Themixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for an additional 30minutes. Silica gel was added to remove DEAD, triphenylphosphine, andexcess ammonia, yielding 3,5-dimethoxyaniline.

2 g of dry 3,5-dimethoxyaniline, 2.2 g of dry AlCl₃, and 2.5 g of4-hydroxycinnamyl chloride were added to 50 mL of DMSO. The mixture wasbrought to a boil and maintained at reflux for 2 hours. The mixture wascooled, and yellow needles of1-(2,4-dimethoxy-6-aminophenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-prop-2-en-1-oneprecipitated out of solution. The yield was approximately 80%. Theneedles were washed twice with 100 mL of methanol and recrystallized.

0.5 g of1-(2,4-dimethoxy-6-aminophenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-prop-2-en-1-one, 20mL methanol, and 1 g of palladium on carbon were mixed; and to themixture was added 50 μL of sodium borohydride and placed under vacuum.The reaction was continued for 30 minutes or until hydrogen evolutionceased. The reaction mixture was diluted with 100 mL of water. Paleyellow to tan crystals of1-(2,4-dimethoxy-6-aminophenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propan-1-one formed.The crystals were obtained from the mixture via centrifugation at 1000×gfor 10 minutes. The crystals were resuspended in water, andcentrifugation was repeated.

The 1-(2,4-dimethoxy-6-aminophenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propan-1-one wasconverted to1-(2-phosphonamino-4,6-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propan-1-oneby the method of Example 1.

The use of tritiated sodium borohydride results in the preparation oftritiated NHPP.

Example 8 Synthesis of 3-azido-2′-phosphophloretin (AZPP)

The synthesis of AZPP is shown schematically in FIG. 4 and involves theFriedel-Crafts acylation reaction between phloroglucinol and4-hydroxy-3-nitrocinnamyl chloride catalyzed by AlCl₃ in an appropriatesolvent. The unsaturation in the propyl connecting moiety and the nitrogroup are then reduced with NaBH₄ in an appropriate solvent. Of course,any reducing agent can be used as well, provided that the reducing agentdoes not reduce other moieties in the process. The reduced intermediateis then reacted with anhydrous phosphoric acid over P₂O₅ under vacuumfor 3 days at 23° C., in the same manner as in the synthesis of 2′-PPdescribed above. The 3-amino-2′-phosphophloretin was then reacted withsodium azide in an appropriate solvent with heating to form AZPP.

Example 9 Synthesis of 4-azido-2′-PP and tritiated analogs

This synthetic approach is based on the syntheses reported in Muller, A.and Robertson, A. (1933) J. Chem. Soc., 1170 and Wilson, A. N. andHarris, S. A. (1951) J. Biol. Chem., 73: 4693.

2 g of dry phloroglucinol, 2.2 g of dry AlCl₃, and 2.5 g of4-nitrocinnamyl chloride were suspended in 50 mL of DMSO. The mixturewas brought to a boil and maintained at reflux for 2 hours. The mixturewas cooled, and yellow needles of1-(2,4,6-trihydroxy)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-prop-2-en-1-one precipitated outof solution. The yield was approximately 80%. The needles were washedtwice with 100 mL of methanol and recrystallized.

0.5 g of 1-(2,4,6-trihydroxy)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-prop-2-en-1-one, 20 mLof methanol, and 1 g of palladium on carbon were mixed; and to themixture was added 50 μL of tritiated sodium borohydride and placed undervacuum. The reaction was continued for 30 minutes or until hydrogenevolution ceased. The reaction mixture was diluted with 100 mL of water.Pale yellow to tan crystals of[³H]1-(2,4,6-trihydroxy)-3-(4-aminophenyl)-propan-1-one formed. Thecrystals were obtained from the mixture via centrifugation at 1000×g for10 minutes. The crystals were resuspended in water, and centrifugationwas repeated.

The [³H]1-(2,4,6-trihydroxy)-3-(4-aminophenyl)-propan-1-one wasconverted to[³H]1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-trihydroxy)-3-(4-aminophenyl)-propan-1-one bythe method of Example 1.

0.2 g of[³H]1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-trihydroxy)-3-(4-aminophenyl)-propan-1-one wascombined with 80% acetic acid and 50 mg of sodium nitrite, and themixture was stirred for 10 minutes. 50 mg of sodium azide in ice coldwater was added to the mixture. The reaction mixture was stirred on icefor two hours. The reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness undervacuum with slight heating (setting 1 on hot plate, approximately 40°C.) to form[³H]1-(2-phosphonooxy-4,6-trihydroxy)-3-(4-azidophenyl)-propan-1-one. Analiquot of the dry reaction product was redissolved in water and checkedby OD between 205 nm and 320 nm which showed a shoulder of a main peakat 245-255 nm.

The use of non-tritiated sodium borohydride gives 4-azido-2′-PP.

Example 10 Inhibition of Alkaline Phosphatase by 2′-PP

The rationale for examining the effect of 2′-PP on alkaline phosphataseactivity was that only compounds with phosphoether bonds are substratesfor intestinal brush border membrane alkaline phosphatase. Therefore, anextremely sensitive method of verifying the O-P linkage on 2′-PP was byexamining the effect of 2′-PP concentration on alkaline phosphatasehydrolysis of its preferred substrate 4-nitrophenylphosphate. Theresults are shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 demonstrates that 2′-PP inhibited the alkalinephosphatase-mediated release of phosphate from 4-nitrophenylphosphate.Although the apparent K_(0.5) (the concentration of 2′-PP resulting in50% inhibition of alkaline phosphatase activity) was 3.2 mM±0.3 mM(n=3), or 6400 times the concentration of 2′-PP for 50% inhibition of heNa/phosphate co-transporter, the results are consistent with 2′-PP beinga competitive inhibitor of alkaline phosphatase and having aphosphoether linkage. These studies were performed to verify that thephosphoether linkage was formed and viable in inhibiting co-transport.

Example 11 The Effect of 2′-PP on Na-dependent Phosphate Uptake usingRabbit Intestinal Brush Border Membrane (BBM) Vesicles

Rabbit intestinal brush border membrane (BBM) vesicles were prepared bycalcium precipitation as described in Peerce, B. E. and Clarke, R. D.(1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265: 1731-736; Peerce, B. E. and Wright, E. M.(1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259: 14105-112; and Stevens, B. R., Ross, H. J.,and Wright, E. M. (1983) J. Membr. Biol. 66: 213-225. Na-dependent[³²P]phosphate uptake was measured by a rapid mixing rapid quenchingvesicle filtration assay in media containing either 150 mM NaCl or 150mM KCl as previously described in Peerce, B. E. (1988) Progr. Clin.Biol. Res. 252: 73-80 and Peerce, B. E. and Kiesling, C. (1990) Miner.Electrol. Metab. 16: 125-129. The effect of 2′-PP on the Na-dependentuptake of phosphate by BBM vesicles is shown in FIG. 6.

Na-dependent phosphate uptake (defined as phosphate uptake in thepresence of Na minus uptake in the presence of K) is shown in FIG. 6 asa function of 2′-PP concentration in the uptake media at 3 phosphateconcentrations (A, [phosphate]=50 μM; B, [phosphate]=100 μM;, C[phosphate]=250 μM). The Dixon plot shown in FIG. 6 indicates that 2′-PPinhibition is competitive with respect to phosphate. The K₁ wasdetermined from a replot of the slope of the Dixon plot as a function ofthe reciprocal of the phosphate concentration. The replot yields a slopeof K_(m)/V_(max)=K_(l). The K_(l) for 2′-PP was 0.59±0.08 μM (n=3).

[3H]2′-PP binding to a Ca-BBM protein as a function of Na concentrationis shown in FIG. 7. In the absence of Na (Na replaced by K), 2′-PPbinding was difficult to demonstrate (0.12±0.005 pmoles 2′-PP bound/mgprotein. As a function of Na concentration, high affinityphosphate-sensitive 2′-PP binding was seen. Similar to the effect of Naconcentration on Na-dependent phosphate uptake, the effect of Na on2′-PP binding had an apparent K_(0.5) for Na (Na concentration at 50%2′-PP bound) of 23±3 mM (n=3). A Hill plot of the effect of Naconcentration on 2′-PP binding suggested 2 Na bound/2′-PP(n_(H)=1.9±0.25, n=3).

The effect of phosphate concentration on Na-dependent [³H]2′-PP bindingis shown in FIG. 8. 2′-PP bound in the absence (trace A), and presence(trace C) of 0.5 mM phosphate were examined. The difference betweentrace A and trace C yielded trace B. Kinetic analysis of trace B yieldeda K_(d) of 590 nM and 8.5 pmoles 2′-PP bound/mg protein. These resultsare similar to that seen for Na-dependent binding (FIG. 7), indicatingthat the high affinity binding of 2′-PP is Na-dependent and is at least90% sensitive to phosphate. Phosphate and difluorophosphate inhibited2′-PP binding to Ca-BBM protein with K_(0.5)'s similar to their K_(m)'sfor Na-dependent transport. Phosphate inhibited 50% of the Na-dependent2′-PP bound to Ca-BBM at 105±15 μM (n=3). Difluorophosphate inhibited50% of the 2′-PP bound at 48±5 μM (n=3, results not shown). Theseresults are in excellent agreement with previous reports for theapparent K_(m) for phosphate as described in Peerce, B. E. (1988) Progr.Clin. Biol. Res. 252: 73-80; Peerce, B. E.; Cedilote, M.; Seifert, S.;Levine, R.; Kiesling, C. and Clark, R. D. (1993) Am. J. Physiol. 264:G609-G616 and Shirazy-Beechey, S.; Gorvel, J. -P. and Beechey, B. R.(1988) J. Bioenerg. Biomembr. 20: 273-288 and difluorophosphate asdescribed in Peerce, B. E. (1997) Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 1323: 45-46for Na-dependent phosphate uptake. These results are consistent with2′-PP binding specifically to the intestinal BBM Na/phosphateco-transporter.

The possibility that the Na/phosphate co-transporter transported 2′-PPwas examined by examining equilibrium Na-dependent [³H]2′-PP bound as afunction of external osmotic strength (varied with mannitol). Theresults are shown in FIG. 9. At infinite osmotic strength, 8±0.6 pmolesof 2′-PP bound/mg protein. External osmotic strength did not alter theamount of 2′-PP bound. These results are consistent with 2′-PP beingpoorly transported, or not transported by the intestinal Na/phosphateco-transporter.

The possibility that inhibition of Na-dependent phosphate uptake was atleast partially due to degradation of 2′-PP with release of phosphatewas examined by pre-incubation of 2′-PP with Ca-BBM for 10 minutes at23° C. prior to examination of Na-dependent [³²P] phosphate uptake; thereason being that if BBM phosphatases (e.g., alkaline phosphatase)hydrolyzed 2′-PP, then a decrease in the apparent k_(0.5) for inhibitionof Na-dependent phosphate uptake would be seen since the apparentK_(0.5) for phosphate is approximately 100 times that of 2′-PP. Withincubations of up to 10 minutes at 23° C., there was no measurablechange in the apparent k_(0.5) for 2′-PP inhibition of Na-dependent[³²P] phosphate uptake. Although 2′-PP is a substrate of alkalinephosphatase (33%±5% inhibition at 50 μM 2′-PP), it is either poorlyhydrolyzed or poorly released.

The preliminary results of examination of the interaction of 2′-PP withthe intestinal Na/phosphate co-transporter indicate that 2′-PP is a highaffinity inhibitor of the co-transporter, is competitive with respect tophosphate, and is not transported by the co-transporter atconcentrations up to 50 μM. These results are consistent with 2′-PPbeing an excellent candidate as an inhibitor of intestinal absorption ofphosphate.

Example 12 Effect of 2′-PP on Rat Survival and Serum Phosphate and SerumCalcium Levels

Ten rats with normal renal function were treated with varied amounts of[³H]2′-PP by gavage for seven days. The 2′-PP was given once/day in asolution containing 270 mM sucrose and 10 mM Tris-Cl pH 7.4. Blood waswithdrawn 1, 4, and 7 days from the start of the treatment and analyzedfor serum phosphate and serum calcium, with the results shown inTable 1. A second, one-week trial was performed adding 2′-PP to thedrinking water. Blood was withdrawn at 1, 4 and 7 days and assayed forcalcium and phosphate. Dietary phosphorus was increased from 0.9% to 5%for one week, and the experiment repeated at the elevated dietaryphosphorus with 2′-PP added to the drinking water for an additional twoweeks. The amount of radioactivity in the urine and stool as examined.The results are shown in Table 1. After two weeks, the animals weresacrificed, and the kidney and liver were examined for radioactivity.

During the four weeks of treatment with 2′-PP, none of the rats died,nor did they suffer any measurable change in weight. Serum calciumlevels (2.1 mM±0.18 mM) remained unchanged (7% fluctuation compared to3% error in duplicate determinations) on both the normal and highphosphate diets irrespective of 2′-PP concentration. In contrast, serumphosphate was significantly reduced after seven days of treatment with2′-PP. Serum phosphate was 2.5±0.2 mM prior to administration of 2′-PP(n=12). Table 1 shows that after seven days of treatment with 2′-PP,serum phosphate of rats on the normal (0.9% phosphorus) diet decreasedin a 2′-PP concentration-dependent manner ranging from 2.2 mM at 2 μM2′-PP to 1.4 mM at 25 μM 2′-PP. Rats on the high phosphate diet requiredhigher 2′-PP concentrations to achieve the same results, however,similar decreases in serum phosphate were seen. Table 1 shows that ratson the 5% phosphorus diet had significantly reduced serum phosphate at 2μM 2′-PP compared to untreated controls. At 10 μM 2′-PP, rats on thehigh phosphorus diet had serum phosphate levels below that seen inuntreated rats on the normal phosphate diet.

FIG. 10 shows the results of a second 2-week study of ten rats withnormal renal function (open circles, 1 μM 2′-PP; closed circles, 5 μM2′-PP; open triangles, 10 μM 2′-PP; closed triangles, 25 μM 2′-PP).Serum phosphate again decreased in a 2′-PP concentration-dependentmanner immediately after its addition to the rats' drinking water. After2 weeks on 2′-PP, serum phosphate was reduced to between 1.8 mM on 1 μM2′-PP and 1.2 mM at 25 μM 2′-PP. In contrast to the results shown inTable 1, there was a significant decrease in serum calcium (FIG. 11:open circles, 1 μM 2′-PP; closed circles, 5 μM 2′-PP; open triangles, 10μM 2′-PP; closed triangles, 25 μM 2′-PP) at 2′-PP concentrations of 5 μMand higher. This decrease in serum calcium may be related to a slightvolume expansion. The rats receiving 5 μM or higher concentrations of2′-PP drank 2-4 times more water than normal for the first 4 days of thestudy. After the first 4 days, water consumption returned to normal.

After 4 weeks on 2′-PP, the rats were sacrificed and their kidneys andliver examined for radioactivity. No measurable radioactivity was foundin the urine, kidney, or the liver. A crude estimate of 2′-PP turnovertime was calculated from the amount of radioactivity in the stool afteradministration of [³H]2′-PP was discontinued; and the 2′-PP half-lifewas estimated as 12±1 hr. The absence of measurable 2′-PP in the kidneysand urine suggests that 2′-PP is relatively impermeant across theintestinal membrane at the concentrations tested.

TABLE 1 Effect of 2′-PP on Serum Phosphate and Calcium High PhosphateDiet Normal Phosphate Diet Serum Serum Serum Serum phosphate calciumphosphate calcium [2′-PP] (μM) (mM) (mM) (mM) (mM) 1 4.4 ± 0.2 2.1 ± 0.12.5 ± 0.1  2.1 ± 0.08 2 3.3 ± 0.2 2.1 ± 0.1 2.2 ± 0.1 2.1 ± 0.1 5 2.6 ±0.1 2.1 ± 0.1  2.0 ± 0.07  2.1 ± 0.05 10  2.0 ± 0.04 2.1 ± 0.1 1.8 ± 0.12.0 ± 0.1 25  1.8 ± 0.08 2.0 ± 0.1 1.4 ± 0.1 2.1 ± 0.1

The values given are measured seven days after beginning treatment withthe indicated 2′-PP concentration. Results are from duplicate rats andassayed in triplicate.

Example 13 In Vivo Half-life of 2′-PP in Rats

Rats on a 0.9% phosphorus diet were given 10 μM [³H]2′-PP in their waterfor 2 weeks. Serum phosphate and calcium were determined byspectrophotometric assays. Following the experimental period, 2′-PP wasremoved from the water, and the stool was examined for radioactivity atdays 1, 3, 5 and 8, and serum phosphate was examined. The serumphosphate levels are shown in FIG. 12.

Following withdrawal of 2′-PP, serum phosphate returned to normal(control) level five days, as shown in FIG. 11. The apparent half-timeto return to normal serum phosphate levels was approximately 3 days.This result is similar to the time required for intestinal crypt cell(salt-secreting cell) maturation into a villus tip cell (absorptivecell). During this maturation period, crypt cells express the intestinalbrush border membrane Na/phosphate co-transporter. These results suggestthat 10 μM 2′-PP administered daily yields effectively 100% inhibitionof the Na/phosphate co-transporter. These results also suggest thatrecovery from 2′-PP inhibition of co-transporter activity requiresadsorptive cell maturation.

Example 14 Specificity of AZPP for the Intestinal Na/phosphateCo-transporter

Ca-BBM protein (1.8 nmoles 2′-PP binding sites as determined from 9pmoles [³H]2′-PP bound/mg protein) was labeled with [³H]AZPP (1 minuteincubation with 10 μM [³H]AZPP at 4° C. in 150 mM NaCl and 10 mM sodiumborate pH 7, followed by a 1 minute exposure to visible light).Following centrifugation to remove excess label, BBM protein wasdigested with papain as previously described in Peerce, B. E. (1995)Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 1239: 11-21 and Peerce, B. E.; Cedilote, M. andClarke, R. D. (1995) Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 1239: 1-10, and resolvedinto membrane-retained and soluble peptides. 95% of the radioactivitywas in the membrane-retained fraction. SDS-solubilization of themembrane-retained fraction released 85% of the radioactivity. Urea gelelectrophoresis following papain digestion of SDS soluble proteinrevealed a single 24 kDa polypeptide labeled with [³H]AZPP.

A polyclonal antibody to the intestinal Na/phosphate co-transporter(KL9.2) developed in the laboratory was used to immunoprecipitateCHAPS-solubilized [³H]AZPP-labeled Ca-BBM protein. The complex waselectrophoresed by SDS-PAGE and stained with Coomassie blue, accordingto the method of Laemmli, U.K 1970 Nature (Lond.) 227: 680-685. A trackwas cut into 2 mm slices, and the slices counted for tritium. A single120-kDa polypeptide was seen labeled with [³H]AZPP. These results areconsistent with 2′-PP specifically labeling the intestinal Na/phosphateco-transporter. The residual 12%±2%, n=3, of the applied label appearedto be non-specifically associated with lipid (chloroform:methanolextracted). The specificity of [¹H]AZPP labeling of the 120-kDapolypeptide in Ca-BBM protein suggests that the 24-kDa polypeptidepurified from the papain digest is also derived from the Na/phosphateco-transporter.

Example 15 Effect of NHPP on Na-dependent Uptake of [³²P]Phosphate byBBM Vesicles

NHPP was administered to BBM in conformity with the 2′-PP protocoldescribed above and the results are shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 13 shows thatNHPP is a competitive inhibitor of Na-dependent phosphate uptake byintestinal BBM vesicles with respect to phosphate. The Dixon plot shownin FIG. 13 illustrates that increasing phosphate concentrations reducethe Na-dependent phosphate uptake. A replot of the Dixon plot, plottingthe slope of the Dixon plot versus the reciprocal of the phosphateconcentration is a straight line going through the origin, with a slopeof K_(m)/V_(max)=K₁. The K₁ for NHPP was 6.9±1 μM (n=3). These resultsindicate that although NHPP is not a substrate of apical membranephosphatase, NHPP does inhibit the co-transporter. The amino-phosphatelinkage limits the effectiveness of NHPP inhibition of Na-dependentphosphate uptake by the intestinal Na/phosphate co-transporter. Thelower efficacy of NHPP relative to 2′-PP provides greater flexibility indosage control for patients with only marginally high phosphate bloodlevels. This same type of reduction in effectiveness is anticipated forthio analogs as well. However, like all other classes of drugs, theremay be aminophosphate and thiophosphate agents that are more effectivethan their phosphate parent compounds.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments and examples, it will be evident to one of ordinary skill inthe art, having regard to this disclosure, that equivalents of thespecifically disclosed materials and techniques will also be applicableto this invention; and such equivalents are intended to be includedwithin the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of formula (I):

where: A¹ and A² are the same or different aryl groups collectivelybearing at least one hydrophilic substituent; E¹ and E² are the same ordifferent and are O, S, or NR² (where R² is H or a linear or branchedC₁-C₂₀ carbon containing group); M is H or a pharmaceutically acceptablemonovalent cation; R¹ is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated,C₁-C₂₀ carbon containing group; Z is a single bond, a carbonyl, CE³E⁴,or CR³E⁴¹, where E³ and E⁴ are the same or different and are OR⁴, SR⁴¹,and NR⁴ ₂, where R³ is a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ carbon containinggroup, and R⁴ is H or a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ carbon containinggroup; and n is 0 or 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,provided that, when E¹ is O and when Z is a carbonyl and when A¹ is aphenyl ring and when E¹ is at the 2-position of the phenyl ring A¹, A¹is not further substituted in the 4- and 6-positions of the phenyl ringA¹ with OR₅ groups (where R⁵ is a carbon containing group having between1 and 4 carbon atoms); and further provided that the compound is not4′-phosphophloretin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 2.The compound of claim 1 that is a compound of formula (Ia):

where: A¹, A², E¹, M, R¹ and Z are as defined in claim 1, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, provided that the compound isnot 4′-phosphophloretin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.3. The compound of claim 1 that is a compound of formula (Ib):

where: A¹, A², M, R¹ and Z are as defined in claim 1, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, provided that the compound isnot 4′-phosphophloretin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.4. The compound of claim 1 that is a compound of formula (Ic):

where: A¹, A², M, R¹ and Z are as defined in claim 1, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 5. The compound of claim 1that is a compound of formula (Id):

where: A¹, A², M, R¹ and Z are as defined in claim 1, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 6. The compound of claim 1that is a compound of formula (Ie):

where: A¹, A², M, and R¹ are as defined in claim 1, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, provided that the compound isnot 4′-phosphophloretin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.7. The compound of claim 1 that is a compound of formula (If):

where: A¹, A², M, and R¹ are as defined in claim 1, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 8. The compound of claim 1that is a compound of formula (Ig):

where: A¹, A², M, and R¹ are as defined in claim 1, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 9. The compound of claim 1that is 2′-phosphophloretin, 2′-thiophosphophloretin,2′-aminophosphophloretin, 3-azido-2′-phosphophloretin, or4-azido-2′-phosphophloretin or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof.
 10. A medication comprising a carrier and a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a compound of formula (I):

where: A¹ and A² are the same or different aryl groups collectivelybearing at least one hydrophilic substituent; E¹ and E² are the same ordifferent and are O, S, or NR² (where R² is H or a linear or branchedC₁-C₂₀ carbon containing group); M is H or a pharmaceutically acceptablemonovalent cation; R¹ is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated,C₁-C₂₀ carbon containing group; Z is a single bond, a carbonyl, CE³E⁴,or CR³E⁴, where E³ and E⁴ are the same or different and are OR⁴, SR⁴,and NR⁴ ₂, where R³ is a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ carbon containinggroup, and R⁴ is H or a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ carbon containinggroup; and n is 0 or 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,provided that, when E¹ is O and when Z is a carbonyl and when A¹ is aphenyl ring and when E¹ is at the 2-position of the phenyl ring A¹, A¹is not further substituted in the 4- and 6-positions of the phenyl ringA¹ with OR⁵ groups (where R⁵ is a carbon containing group having between1 and 4 carbon atoms).
 11. The medication of claim 10 where the compoundis a compound of formula (Ia):

where: A¹, A², E¹, M, R¹ and Z are as defined in claim 10, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 12. The medication of claim 10where the compound is a compound of formula (Ib):

where: A¹, A², M, R¹ and Z are as defined in claim 10, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 13. The medication of claim 10where the compound is a compound of formula (Ic):

where: A¹, A², M, R¹ and Z are as defined in claim 10, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 14. The medication of claim 10where the compound is a compound of formula (Id):

where: A¹, A², M, R¹ and Z are as defined in claim 10, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 15. The medication of claim 10where the compound is a compound of formula (Ie):

where: A¹, A², M, and R¹ are as defined in claim 10, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 16. The medication of claim10, where the compound is a compound of formula (If):

where: A¹, A², M, and R¹ are as defined in claim 10, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 17. The medication of claim10, where the compound is a compound of formula (Ig):

where: A¹, A², M, and R¹ are as defined in claim 10, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 18. The medication of claim 10where the compound is 2′-phosphophloretin, 2′-thiophosphophloretin,2′-aminophosphophloretin, 3-azido-2′-phosphophloretin, or4-azido-2′-phosphophloretin or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof.
 19. A method of inhibiting sodium-mediated phosphate uptake,reducing serum PTH, calcium, calcitriol, or phosphate, or treating renaldisease, said method comprising administration of a compound of formula(I):

where: A¹ and A² are the same or different aryl groups collectivelybearing at least one hydrophilic substituent; E¹ and E² are the same ordifferent and are O, S, or NR² (where R² is H or a linear or branchedC₁-C₂₀ carbon containing group); M is H or a pharmaceutically acceptablemonovalent cation; R¹ is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated,C₁-C₂₀ carbon containing group; Z is a single bond, a carbonyl, CE³E⁴,or CR³E⁴, where E³ and E⁴ are the same or different and are OR⁴, SR⁴,and NR⁴ ₂, where R³ is a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ carbon containinggroup, and R⁴ is H or a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ carbon containinggroup; and n is 0 or 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.20. The method of claim 19 where the compound is a compound of formula(Ia):

where: A¹, A², E¹, M, R¹ and Z are as defined in claim 19, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 21. The method of claim 19where the compound is a compound of formula (Ib):

where: A¹, A², M, R¹ and Z are as defined in claim 19, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 22. The method of claim 19where the compound is a compound of formula (Ic):

where: A¹, A², M, R¹ and Z are as defined in claim 19, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 23. The method of claim 19where the compound is a compound of formula (Id):

where: A¹, A², M, R¹ and Z are as defined in claim 19, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 24. The method of claim 19where the compound is a compound of formula (Ie):

where: A¹, A², M, and R¹ are as defined in claim 19, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 25. The method of claim 19where the compound is a compound of formula (If):

where: A¹, A², M, and R¹ are as defined in claim 19, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 26. The method of claim 19where the compound is a compound of formula (Ig):

where: A¹, A², M, and R¹ are as defined in claim 19, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 27. The method of claim 19where the compound is 2′-phosphophloretin, 2′-thiophosphophloretin,2′-aminophosphophloretin, 3-azido-2′-phosphophloretin, or4-azido-2′-phosphophloretin or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof.
 28. The method of claim 19 where the administration isintermittent.
 29. The method of claim 19 where the administration isoral.
 30. The method of claim 19 where the administration is parenteral.31. A process for preparing a compound of Formula I:

where: A¹ and A² are the same or different aryl groups collectivelybearing at least one hydrophilic substituent; E¹ and E² are the same ordifferent and are O, S, or NR² (where R² is H or a linear or branchedC₁-C₂₀, carbon containing group); M is H or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable monovalent cation; R¹ is a linear or branched, saturated orunsaturated, C₁-C₂₀ carbon containing group; Z is a single bond, acarbonyl, CE³E⁴, or CR³E⁴, where E³ and E⁴ are the same or different andare OR⁴, SR⁴, and NR⁴ ₂, where R³ is a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ carboncontaining group, and R⁴ is H or a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ carboncontaining group; and n is 0 or 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, provided that the compound is not 4′-phosphophloretin or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, said process comprising: (a)phosphorylating a compound of the formula E¹—A¹—Z-R¹—A²—(E)_(n) andwhich either contains or does not contain one or more protecting groupsto yield any one of the compounds (I) through (Ig); or (b) if R¹ is anunsaturated group, hydrogenating it; or (c) cleaving any protectinggroups in a compound of Formula I to liberate free hydroxyl or phosphategroups; or (d) converting a compound of Formula I to a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt; or (e) converting a salt of a compound of Formula I toa compound of Formula I; or (f) converting a salt of a compound ofFormula I to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of FormulaI; or (g) converting a substituent in A¹ or A² to another substituent.32. The compound of claim 1, wherein E¹ is O and wherein A² is a phenylring bearing an OH group in the 4-position thereof.
 33. The compound ofclaim 1, wherein E¹ is O; wherein A¹ is a phenyl ring; wherein E¹ is atthe 2-position of the phenyl ring A¹; and wherein the phenyl ring A¹ isfurther substituted with an OH group in the 4-position thereof.
 34. Thecompound of claim 1, wherein E¹ is O and wherein A¹ is a phenyl ring;wherein E¹ is at the 2-position of the phenyl ring A¹; and wherein thephenyl ring A¹ is further substituted with an OH group in the 6-positionthereof.
 35. The compound of claim 1, wherein E¹ is O and wherein A¹ isa phenyl ring; wherein E¹ is at the 2-position of the phenyl ring A¹;and wherein the phenyl ring A¹ is further substituted with OH groups inthe 4- and 6-positions thereof.
 36. The compound of claim 1, wherein E¹is O; wherein A² is a phenyl ring bearing an OH group in the 4-positionthereof; wherein A¹ is a phenyl ring; wherein E¹ is at the 2-position ofthe phenyl ring A¹; and wherein the phenyl ring A¹ is furthersubstituted with OH groups in the 4- and 6-positions thereof.
 37. Thecompound of claim 1, wherein A¹ is a phenyl ring and E¹ is at the2-position of the phenyl ring A¹.
 38. The medication of claim 10,wherein the compound is not 4′-phosphophloretin or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof.
 39. The medication of claim 10, wherein E¹ is Oand wherein A² is a phenyl ring bearing an OH group in the 4-positionthereof.
 40. The medication of claim 10, wherein E¹ is O; wherein A¹ isa phenyl ring; wherein E¹ is at the 2-position of the phenyl ring A¹;and wherein the phenyl ring A¹ is further substituted with an OH groupin the 4-position thereof.
 41. The medication of claim 10, wherein E¹ isO and wherein A¹ is a phenyl ring; wherein E¹ is at the 2-position ofthe phenyl ring A¹; and wherein the phenyl ring A¹ is furthersubstituted with an OH group in the 6-position thereof.
 42. Themedication of claim 10, wherein E¹ is O and wherein A¹ is a phenyl ring;wherein E¹ is at the 2-position of the phenyl ring A¹; and wherein thephenyl ring A¹ is further substituted with OH groups in the 4- and6-positions thereof.
 43. The medication of claim 10, wherein E¹ is O;wherein A² is a phenyl ring bearing an OH group in the 4-positionthereof; wherein A¹ is a phenyl ring; wherein E¹ is at the 2-position ofthe phenyl ring A¹; and wherein the phenyl ring A¹ is furthersubstituted with OH groups in the 4- and 6-positions thereof.
 44. Themedication of claim 10, wherein A¹ is a phenyl ring and E¹ is at the2-position of the phenyl ring A¹.
 45. The method of claim 19, whereinthe compound is not 4′-phosphophloretin or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof.
 46. The method of claim 19, wherein, when E¹ is O and whenZ is a carbonyl and when A¹ is a phenyl ring and when E¹ is at the2-position of the phenyl ring A¹ and when the phenyl ring A¹ is furthersubstituted in the 4- and 6-positions thereof with OR⁵ groups (where R⁵is a carbon containing group having between 1 and 4 carbon atoms), A² isnot a phenyl ring substituted in the 4-position thereof with an OR^(5′)group (where R^(5′) is a carbon containing group having between 1 and 4carbon atoms).
 47. The method of claim 46, wherein, when E¹ is O andwhen Z is a carbonyl and when A¹ is a phenyl ring and when E¹ is at the2-position of the phenyl ring A¹, A¹ is not further substituted in the4- and 6-positions of the phenyl ring A¹ with OR⁵ groups (where R⁵ is acarbon containing group having between 1 and 4 carbon atoms).
 48. Themethod of claim 19, wherein E¹ is O and wherein A² is a phenyl ringbearing an OH group in the 4-position thereof.
 49. The method of claim19, wherein E¹ is O; wherein A¹ is a phenyl ring; wherein E¹ is at the2-position of the phenyl ring A¹; and wherein the phenyl ring A¹ isfurther substituted with an OH group in the 4-position thereof.
 50. Themethod of claim 19, wherein E¹ is O and wherein A¹ is a phenyl ring;wherein E¹ is at the 2-position of the phenyl ring A¹; and wherein thephenyl ring A¹ is further substituted with an OH group in the 6-positionthereof.
 51. The method of claim 19, wherein E¹ is O and wherein A¹ is aphenyl ring; wherein E¹ is at the 2-position of the phenyl ring A¹; andwherein the phenyl ring A¹ is further substituted with OH groups in the4- and 6-positions thereof.
 52. The method of claim 19, wherein E¹ is O;wherein A² is a phenyl ring bearing an OH group in the 4-positionthereof; wherein A¹ is a phenyl ring; wherein E¹ is at the 2-position ofthe phenyl ring A¹; and wherein the phenyl ring A¹ is furthersubstituted with OH groups in the 4- and 6-positions thereof.
 53. Themethod of claim 19, wherein A¹ is a phenyl ring and E¹ is at the2-position of the phenyl ring A¹.
 54. The process of claim 31, wherein,when E¹ is O and when Z is a carbonyl and when A¹ is a phenyl ring andwhen E¹ is at the 2-position of the phenyl ring A¹ and when the phenylring A¹ is further substituted in the 4- and 6-positions thereof withOR⁵ groups (where R⁵ is a carbon containing group having between 1 and 4carbon atoms), A² is not a phenyl ring substituted in the 4-positionthereof with an OR^(5′) group (where R^(5′) is a carbon containing grouphaving between 1 and 4 carbon atoms).
 55. The process of claim 54,wherein, when E¹ is O and when Z is a carbonyl and when A¹ is a phenylring and when E¹ is at the 2-position of the phenyl ring A¹, A¹ is notfurther substituted in the 4- and 6-positions of the phenyl ring A¹ withOR⁵ groups (where R⁵ is a carbon containing group having between 1 and 4carbon atoms).
 56. The process of claim 31, wherein A¹ is a phenyl ringand E¹ is at the 2-position of the phenyl ring A¹.
 57. The process ofclaim 31, wherein the compound of Formula I is 2′-phosphophloretin,2′-thiophosphophloretin, 2′-aminophosphophloretin,3-azido-2′-phosphophloretin, or 4-azido-2′-phosphophloretin or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.